Celebrate a week of science, imagination and discovery as Carterton joins World Space Week from 4–10 October 2026. This year’s theme, Rocket Revolution, explores how new technologies are changing access to space through launches, satellites, education and innovation.
Carterton Space Week is an annual festival of space science, astronomy, technology and exploration held in Carterton, New Zealand, as part of World Space Week, the world’s largest public celebration of space.
Established by local volunteers and supported by the Carterton community, the festival brings together scientists, engineers, educators, astronomers, students and curious minds for a week of talks, workshops, stargazing experiences and hands-on activities. Each year explores a different international World Space Week theme while showcasing New Zealand’s growing connection to science, innovation and the night sky.
The festival was created to continue the spirit of the former Wairarapa Space Science Centre and to provide opportunities for people of all ages to engage with space science close to home. Today, Carterton Space Week is coordinated through Go Carterton and delivered with the support of community groups, volunteers, schools, businesses and partner organisations.
Located in the heart of the Wairarapa, Carterton offers a unique setting where visitors can explore both space science and some of New Zealand’s darkest skies. Whether attending a public lecture, meeting a space industry professional, launching a rocket, or looking through a telescope for the first time, Carterton Space Week aims to inspire curiosity, learning and discovery.
This year’s programme includes a special series of rocket workshops led by Simon and Karen from Christchurch Rocketeers and It’s Not Rocket Science. Over the course of the week, participants will explore the science, engineering, and excitement of rocketry through hands-on activities designed for families, students, and future space explorers.
Carterton Space Week is a week-long festival of space, astronomy and science.
Carterton Space Week is held each year in celebration of World Space Week, the largest international space event on Earth. Taking place annually from 4–10 October, World Space Week commemorates the launch of the first artificial satellite, Sputnik 1, on 4 October 1957, and the signing of the United Nations Outer Space Treaty on 10 October 1967.
Each year, the World Space Week Association announces a global theme, inspiring countries around the world to explore a different aspect of space science, technology and exploration. Carterton Space Week embraces this international theme while showcasing local speakers, organisations, businesses and experiences, creating a uniquely Wairarapa celebration of humanity’s journey into space.
World Space Week is an international celebration of science and technology, and their contribution to the betterment of the human condition.
Carterton Space Week is organised by Go-Carterton, Carterton’s Business Association
Celebrate a week of science, imagination, and community as Carterton joins the global World Space Week from 4-10 October 2026. This year’s theme, Rocket Revolution, comes to life across the Wairarapa with talks, workshops, films, school programmes, and hands-on activities for all ages. From rockets and planetarium shows to world-class speakers and stargazing inspiration, Carterton Space Week is your invitation to explore our place in the cosmos.
